The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1887-12-27

EDITORS CoNsTTTUTION.-Win you please give me
a brief synopsi tie evolution theory S. s.
The evolution or development theory declares the
universe it now exists TO be the result ora long
series of changes, which far related to each
other as 10 form series of growths analogous to
the evolving OF the parts of a growing organism
Herbert Spencer defines evolution progress from
the homogeneous to the heterogeneous from gen.
eIal 10 special from the simple to the complex ele-
nents of life and it is believed that this process
be traced in the formation of worlds in 81 ace in
the multiplication of types and species among ami
mails and plants, in the origin and changes OF Ian
guages and literature and the arts, and also in all
the changes of human institutions and society. AS
sorting the general fact of progress in nature the
evolution theory shows that the method of this pro-
gress has been ~ by the multiplication of organs
and functions; (2), according to defined
unity Of plan, although with 81 the in
terveqtion of transitional FORMS and IA with modi-
fcations dependent upon surrounding conditions.
Ancient writer's occasionally seemed to have glim-
mern9 knowledge af the fact of progress in nature
but as theory Evolution" belongs to the en-
lightenmcnt OF the nineteenth century. Leibnitz
in the latter part of the seventeenth century, first
Suffered the opinion that the earth was once in q
fluid condition, and Kant about the middle of the
eighteenth century definitely propounded the nebu-
lar hypothesis, which was enlarged as theory by
the ilelschels. The first writer to suggest the
trlnSmutation of species among animals was Buff
lon about 1850 and other writers followed out the
idea. The eccentric Lord Monboddo was the first
to suggest the possible descent of man from the
ape about IVA. In 1918, Dr. w. c. Wells first pro-
posed 10 apply the principle of natural selection to
thonatural history ofman, and i'll 1892 Professor Her
bert first asserted that the probable transmutation of
species in plans. In 1874 book appeared called.
'Yestiges of Creation" which though
evidently not written by scientific
student, yet attracted great attention by its bold
and ingenious theories The authorship of this
book was never revealed until, after the death of
Robert Chambers few years since, it became
known that this publisher, whom no one would
ever have suspected OF holding such orthodox the
ories, had actually written it. But the two great
apostles of the evolution theory were Charles OAR
win and Herbert Spencer. The latter began his
great work, the First Principles of Philosophy"
showing the application of evolution in the facts of
life, in 1852. In 1859 appeared Darwins "Qrg of
Species" The hypothesis of the latter that diff
ferent species originated in spontaneous variation
and the survival of the test through natural selec
ton and the struggle for existence. This theory
was further elaborated and appiedb by Spencer, OAR
win, Huxley. and other writers in Europe and
America, and though today by no means all tie
ideas upheld by these early advocates Of the theory
are still accepted, still evolution principle is
now acknowledged by nearly all scientists. 1t is
taken to be an established fact in nature, valid
induction from mans knowledge of natural order.